Fundi apologizes for Limpopo Back-to-School campaign

Education solution specialist Fundi would like to apologise to students, prospective students and their friends and families, and all other stakeholders for any confusion and inconvenience caused by the Back-to-School campaign recently aired on Capricorn FM.

The campaign was not appropriately sanctioned by Fundi management and as such incorrectly positioned the company as offering free tertiary education loans in partnership with Varsity Student Village.

“While the campaign ended on 6 January 2018, we have been made aware that many prospective students and their families came through to Varsity Student Village to apply for these incorrectly advertised loans,” notes Phumla Tshabalala, Fundi Lending Executive. “We apologise unreservedly for the inconvenience and disappointment this caused them. We have also been in touch with the Department of Education and Varsity Student Village in this regard.”

In a separate statement, Capricorn FM has confirmed that the radio station’s involvement was simply to offer a free advertising platform to the campaign for the many disadvantaged matriculants seeking financial aid.

The radio station stands to make no financial gain from the project. Capricorn FM Marketing Manager, Busisiwe Chauke, stated that “Capricorn FM sincerely apologizes to the many misled hopefuls and society at large for the misunderstanding. We will continue to seek out legitimate opportunities to contribute to societal change because we are for the upliftment and empowerment of our people.”

While Fundi does provide education loans across all levels of learning, applicants go through a vetting and approval process as part of the company’s commitment to responsible lending. “Loans are geared to each student’s requirements and realities so that they can be appropriately supported and assisted throughout,” Tshabalala explains.

She has encouraged students and prospective students from Polokwane to visit the company’s walk-in centre at 68A Landros Mare Street in Polokwane to find out more about Fundi’s services and to see how they can qualify for a loan.

“Our walk-in centre is open six days a week and we’ve brought additional team members on board to assist with queries during this busy time. We’ve also extended our branch hours and geared up our call centre to support as many learners as possible.”

Students who are not able to visit the walk-in centre can call Fundi on 0860 55 55 44 or visit www.fundi.co.za.